It would seem unfair to tell new parents that life will not change when their baby comes along. It would be a massive stretch of the truth because we all know how rooted in change the entire experience is. Moving from a life that was steeped in freedom and choices to a life where the focus is almost entirely on another human being is a massive shift. It can absolutely feel like the world as we know it has had a make-over. It is a big change and with big change comes adjustments in routine, attitude and behaviours. 

For a lot of new Mums and Dads, there is great anxiety surrounding the change that is about to come. Until now life may have been full of eating out, spontaneous travel and carefree decisions. There is a legitimate fear that so much of what you enjoyed will be replaced by a new way of life and that is daunting. Life will be different but life is not over. 

It is impossible to generalise when we talk about a new experience of parenthood. Every family’s experience is so profoundly different. There are so many factors that affect the way things pan out. Financial circumstances, family dynamics and health to name but a few. But in general, it is safe to say that the first couple of weeks can feel like the highest highs and the lowest lows for many reasons. It is a whirlwind containing every emotion under the sun. There is no manual and absolutely nothing you can compare this experience in your life. Learning on the job is what gets you through the day. 

In the midst of the chaos, change and overwhelming love comes the realization that you have just become a family. You are paving a new life together and finding your way. You are finding your flow and beginning to notice the things that work for you. And perhaps you are starting to notice the things in the world that you want to share with your child the most. 

Getting out and about, travelling and eating at restaurants can still absolutely be a part of your life after children come along. They may be your greatest joys in life and how special will it be to share those joys with the perfect tiny human you have just created together? There is a thin line between enjoying the things you love in life and putting too much pressure on yourself. Finding that balance is an intensely personal thing. You will know what feels right to you – plain and simple. 

A certain amount of peace can come from embracing how experiences will change when you have a baby in tow. For example, you can still enjoy a lovely meal together but your choice of venue will perhaps need some more consideration. Do they have room for your travel system? Are there baby changing facilities? Is it a family-friendly restaurant? The great news is that all of this can be researched online ahead of time. It really is a great time to be a young family in Ireland because so many establishments want to attract families who will come back time and time again. 

The very same can be said for travel. There are entire blogs and websites dedicated to helping you navigate family friendly holidays. There are so many opportunities to enjoy everything from quick city breaks to long luxurious trips and the information is at your fingertips with so many families now documenting their experiences online. 

Life can be difficult when your baby comes along but in many cases. it is what you make of it. It can feel daunting at first but before you know it you’ll be filling your weekends with food markets, playgrounds and long walks. You’ll be introducing your child to different cuisines and cultures. You’ll be a family and the world has so much to offer you all.